Aj Odudu

The Scheme is all about channelling new voices from low-income backgrounds and championing underrepresented talent, in the hopes that one day they too might be asking Big Brother contestants not to swear on live TV.

As an Ambassador, AJ will be meeting and mentoring bursary scholars, as well as attending bursaries events. But in the meantime we spoke to AJ to learn more about her TV journey, from runner to primetime presenter via the call centre, and to find out why getting involved in the Scheme is so important to her.

The Big Brother host will meet and mentor scholars and attend bursaries events.

She said: “As someone who worked their way up and started my career with no connections in the TV industry, coming from a working-class background in Blackburn to finding my feet in the industry, I know how important being supported by such a prestigious institution will be for the recipients.

“I look forward to meeting the talented students and hearing all about their aspirations for the future.”

From Love Island’s Chloe Burrows, to Wagatha Christie victim Rebekah Vardy, to Reggae Reggae sauce creator Levi Roots, there are many rumours floating around social media as to who will be the next household names turned housemates. But fans will have to wait a little longer to lay these rumours to rest.  

ITV revealed via X (formerly Twitter) that the cast will only be announced live in the launch show – a major shake up from the 2023 civilian series, where the cast were pre-announced, and the show was pre-recorded.

This year’s contestants include an array of personalities and regional accents – from DJs, to bingo-callers, to butchers, get ready to meet the participants of the ultimate social experiment.

Jenkin

Bridgend

25

Big Brother is returning from a five-year hiatus, and at a new home on ITV2 and ITVX. The new cast of housemates will be able to enjoy the classic tasks, nominations and eliminations that were seen in the original 19 series, however, they will stay in the house for just six weeks instead of 12.

The iconic logo’s rebranding nods to the new contemporary feel ITV wants for the show. The eye is comprised of circles showing hashtags, lips, several eyes, and the words “Big Brother”.

Together the pair will preside over the weekly evictions and quiz housemates on all the events and antics. They will also host the nightly companion live show, debating the hot topics inside the house.

Lead judge and Drag icon RuPaul will return to preside over a brand new group of queens vying for the crown, alongside his trusty sidekicks Michelle Visage, Alan Carr and Graham Norton. Joining them on the panel for various episodes are:

The eight-part series will pit 11 experienced and passionate hairstylists against each other to showcase their creative talent in a series of extravagant and dramatic hair challenges. 

Each episode will follow the stylists as they take part in two creative challenges that will push them to the limit. 

For the first challenge they will need to impress real clients with specific styling demands against the clock, before letting their imagination run wild to produce sensational, gravity-defying creations in the ‘Masterpiece’ challenge.

With a new tropical location of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, The Bridge will see 16 strangers come together for a chance to bag a big cash prize, unaware of the epic challenge required to take the money home.

This year will see a change to the judging panel with pro dancer Anton Du Beke replacing Bruno Tonioli as a judge, and a new group of pro dancers will take to the stage. 

The first celebrity contestants have been announced, which will include Strictly’s first ever all male couple. 

Tom Fletcher